“We gather not only to remember our own service, but to honor all who have worn the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces – past, present and future,” said Veteran Vincent Longobardo, who is part of the Wall of Honor. “This wall reminds us that freedom is not free, but it is honored and protected by those willing to serve our country.”
Fifteen veterans fill out the inaugural Wall of Honor at the Farmstead at Medford.
The wall was fittingly dedicated on Veterans Day as the independent living community held a Veterans Day celebration and Wall of Honor dedication ceremony.
Haley Chenier, who is in charge of life enrichment at the Farmstead at Medford, led the Wall of Honor project.
“It’s been a project that we’ve been working on for months,” she said, adding “carefully choosing every element and piece to be the best product.
“It consists of all residents of the Farmstead who are veterans and some that did live with us at a time and we still honor their memory.
“This is the first official dedication of the wall.”
The celebration and ceremony consisted of a presentation of the Nation’s Colors by the South Jersey Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, and a blessing and official dedication from Rusty Williams, a police chaplain.
“I am in awe,” Williams shared. “I served municipalities and communities as a paramedic and then as a police officer, as a minister and now as a police chaplain, but I never served the nation.
“My father was a veteran in the U.S Army Air Corps in World War II, his brother (my uncle) served in World War II and Korea, my mom’s two brothers served, my uncles on my mom’s side.
“I have a sense of reverence and respect,” Williams noted. “The only thing that would match that is my gratitude and to say, ‘thank you.’
“It’s a true honor to be here.”
Anna Yannessa, a Tabernacle native, sang the National Anthem and God Bless America.
Speakers included Peter Farewege, executive director at Farmstead, and Veteran Vincent Longobardo, who is part of the Wall of Honor.
“We honor all veterans on this day expressing our gratitude for their service, bravery and sacrifice,” Farewege said. “Emphasizing the importance of your contribution to our freedom and community, we are forever grateful to your sacrifice and service to our nation in times of war and a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to all veterans for your service and for the example you set for all of us.
“Freedom is the foundation of Veterans Day and this nation will remain the land of the free so long as it is the home.
“We must never forget the highest appreciation is to not only speak these words but to live by them and model the way for future generations,” Farewege emphasized.
“We do have a call for action today. Embrace the best way of honoring our veterans by taking an active part in maintaining freedom in our greatest country.
“We must volunteer in our communities, take care of our veterans and their families, vote in elections and teach our children what it means to be an American and continue to try to make America the best it can be.”
Farewege dedicated a moment of silence to recognize all veterans, who shoulder the weight of war and peace including the ultimate sacrifice.
Longobardo served in the U.S. Navy from 1967 to 1971, 18 months of those years, he served in Vietnam. He has been a Farmstead resident for 15 months.
“I’m proud to be here today to represent my fellow residents who I call my neighbors and friends,” he said. “On behalf of the veterans, I want to say thanks for joining us today to dedicate the Wall of Honor for all to see and remember us by.
“We gather not only to remember our own service, but to honor all who have worn the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces – past, present and future. This wall reminds us that freedom is not free, but it is honored and protected by those willing to serve our country.
“Many here at Farmstead have shared experiences,” Longobardo said, “although our branches, our roles and our stories may vary, what unites us is our enduring love of our country and one another.
“Today we dedicate the wall as a lasting tribue to every veteran who has called the Farmstead home and to all who served.
“… May this wall remind us each time we pass it, the brave men and women who came here before us and heroes that live amongst us now and those heroes that will live here in the future.”
The Wall of Honor veterans:
- First Lt. DeWayne J. Hassebroek – U.S. Army – 1953-1958
- Grade E6 1st Class Thomas H. McCormick – U.S. Navy – 1969-1972
- SN Vincent J. Longobardo – U.S. Navy – 1966-1971
- LTC Paul J. Bolognone – U.S. Civil Air Patrol – 40 years
- LTC Richard W. Serfass – U.S. Air Force – 1964-1992
- A/1C George J. Molz – U.S. Air Force – 1959-1963
- SP5 Frederick J. Colosimo – Army/National Guard – 1964-1970
- PO3 Linwood H. Hansen – U.S. Navy – 1958-1961
- SP4 Alan P. Beck – Army/National Guard – 1970-1975.
- SGT/E5 Salvatore B. Benigno – 1959-1965
- SP4 George E. Miller – Army/National Guard – 1958-1965
- S5 Hugh Schneider – U.S. Army Medical Corps – 1961-1964
- A2/C Warren F. Wood Jr. – U.S. Air Force – 1956-1960
- E4 William J. Bennington – U.S. Marines Corps – 1957-1960
- LCDR William D. Askin – U.S. Navy – 1964-1988
Chenier said working on the project has been a “meaningful experience.”
“It’s been an incredible chance for me to learn about all the stories and sacrifices of the veterans who call Farmstead home and to create something lasting to honor them,” she said. “Each element of the project has been chosen to be the very best it could be with deep gratitude of the veteran residents.”
Chenier’s grandfather Paul Chenier donated the wooden flags and plaques. And as new veteran residents come to the Farmstead, they will be added and honored on the wall.
The Wall of Honor is in Farmstead’s multi-purpose room, which is the hub for all activities ranging from Bingo, games and puzzles to Wii Bowling, meetings, performances and speakers.
After the ceremony and dedication, veterans and their famlies enjoyed a brunch from Farmstead’s culinary team.
